Koziar’s Christmas Village What To Know Before You Go

Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit more than walking through a winter wonderland.  I just love holiday decor, Christmas music and all the sparkly lights so seeing a Christmas village is always high on my holiday bucket list.  So how could I not see what Display World Magazine has dubbed, the “best outdoor Christmas Display IN THE WORLD.”  I know… what an amazing title, huh?  Here’s the initial view of Koziar’s Christmas Village that you get upon driving up.

Our jaws dropped!  It was so extensive, so elaborate, so mind-blowing that even our car full of jaded New Yorkers were impressed!

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What a happy place it was!

So the story goes that what originally started as a decorated house and dairy farm soon became a sensation when Mr. Koziar’s Christmas display grew year-by-year into a massive holiday spectacle.  Now you can see everything from a giant train display to a lit-up lake!  There were so many delightful sights along the trail including this supersized Santa!

Every turn showcased such a charming display of nostalgic Christmas tales, characters and scenes.

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Cute costumed characters greeted us, and as we winded down each trail we enjoyed a game of “I Spy” with fun – to -find items like the Snoopy cast, a land of santas, Grinch storybook pages, more!  Check out this adorable, vintage tea party scene found when we peeked into a playhouse!  Who else loved Raggedy Ann and Andy as a child?

raggedy ann and andy, dolls, tea party, koziar's christmas villageSome criticized online that the displays were dated.  But I kind of enjoyed the old-world charm of seeing classic characters line the paths and feeling like I was going back in time to a magical and charming Christmas world.  It helped that we went in November when the Christmas crowds had not yet come out in full force of course.

About a 2.5 hour drive from downtown, Manhattan, this destination was totally worth it!  But know before you go.

Here are our top tips for your next trip to Koziar’s Christmas Village:

BRING

  • cash! The cash line is 3 x faster than the regular line.  And trust me, you want to minimize your time waiting around in the cold outdoors
  • warm weather accessories.  Do NOT forget that scarf, mittens, hat and/or earmuffs.  Consider bringing an extra blanket especially if you have kids with strollers.  There are few indoor stops along the way, many of which have lines to get in so bundle up to really be able to enjoy the night out.
  • tissues.  We saw many people sniffling without access to tissues.  Bring your own.

KNOW

  • There’s one main bathroom near the entrance and porta potties scattered throughout.  Go before you go..
  • It will take you around 1-1.5hours to get through the place depending on how long you take at each shop along the way, how many photos you stop to take etc.
  • Avoid Saturdays because I hear the traffic into the place alone could take you up to 45 minutes per mile.
  • Get there before it opens to avoid wasting time in lines.
  • Thanksgiving thru January 1st:
    Mon. – Fri. 6 – 9 pm | Sat. 5 – 9:30 pm | Sun. 5 – 9 pm
    Open EVERY night to Jan. 1st
  • You can take a picture with Santa here..just have to find him in one of the miniature houses.
  • BUY the cookie!  OMG these chocolate chip cookies (which are warmed up for you) are SO good and only a dollar I think?
  • 3 & Under – FREE |  4 to 10 – $10.00
    11 to 64 – $12.00 | Seniors (65+) – $11.00 and guess what… Parking is FREE.  I know… you NY-ers just fainted on me…
  • To navigate the parking lot and remember where you left your car, drop a pin on your phone or text someone in your party directions
  • If you are using a camera, know which settings to use during the night.
  • Work out a plan if a member of your party becomes separated.
  • 782 Christmas Village RdBernville, PA 19506-8810 (It’s near Lancaster PA where we toured through and sightsaw the next day)

Have you been to a Christmas village before? If so, where and would you recommend it?

Holiday Soiree with MomTrends and Tons of Blogger Style

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MOMTRENDS BLOGGERS

We bloggers celebrate everything early.  Thanks to all the brand invites and special blogger events, I’ve been thinking about Christmas since this past summer! (not kidding!)  And now that it is the beginning of November, we have just finalized the festive focus with a feast hosted by MomTrends.  Top NYC bloggers were invited to an intimate dinner at Sugar Cane Raw Bar Grill in Brooklyn where the halls were decked, and presents awaited us.  What a treat it was!

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DINNER

Have you been to Sugar Cane Raw Bar Grill?  They have locations in Miami, Las Vegas and Brooklyn.  This DUMBO (Brooklyn) location had stunning waterfront views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the food was fabulous!  I’m definitely returning for the Korean short ribs, sweet potato with brown butter crumble, and dulce de leche fried french toast dessert!!  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  Luckily, it’s right across the river and I can return easily with my family.  YUM!

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We enjoyed their delicious specialty cocktails, toasted to a terrific night out and loved the cozy and inviting vibe of the restaurant.

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DECOR

Decking the halls is one of my favorite parts about the holidays.  And this holiday soiree totally inspired us to do so!  With EO Creative Works providing handcrafted holiday decor, you couldn’t help but feel in the holiday spirit!

The stockings were hung by the raw bar with care in the hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there!  These stockings (plus garland and wine bags) were made of all-natural, eco-friendly materials by EO Creative Works.  The manufacturing process uses materials like burlap and cotton canvas with azo-free dyes to create its natural, contemporary, classic look.  I’m definitely presenting these Christmas wine holders to my next holiday host!

I just LOVED all the little details!

I love a pretty tablescape!  If you love a well-designed tablescape too, make sure to click here for mine through the years!

christmas decor, christmas tablescape, mabels labels, sugar cane raw bar grill, tighemiThe handmade, green – glazed plates and hand-blown glasses were from Moroccan-inspired brand, Tighemi.  They have beautiful and unique home accessories, fashions, and bags in their collection all made in Morocco. MomTrends created the personalized place settings using Mabel’s Labels.  And we found the adorable holiday touches everywhere from the gift bags, to place cards, to presents.

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Yes, presents!  There were LOTS of goodies waiting for us.  Apparently, we’ve been GOOD!  Very, Very GOOOOOD!

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GLAM

We had some great glam sponsors too!  Everyone was treated to a Glam and Go 30min-blowout of their choice.  I personally love the retro wave look so I always go for that and have learned a few tips from the pros along the way.  They have several locations through the city and offer an unlimited plan for the frequent customer.  What a great feeling it would be to have a great hair day everyday!

stylist, ny stylist, style expert, style blogger, glam and go, nyc blogger styleIn addition to hair styling, we also had a fresh mani from Gloss Lab.  This, beautiful, modern nail salon was surprisingly devoid of the strong stench associated with lesser nail salons and exuded an aura of peace and tranquility which was a nice respite from the hectic NY city life we all live and know.

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STYLE

Style is top of mind for all of us bloggers so when we were able to partner up with Cabi Clothing for a couple items of our choice we were so excited.  Thank you Cabi for this versatile top!  I can wear it so many ways, with a skirt, jeans, leggings, one shoulder out, both shoulders out, as a layering underpinning, or all by itself.  Check out how Sherri from MomTrends and I twinned and styled it two very different ways!

off the shoulder top, cabi fashion, mom style, sugar cane raw bar grill, momtrendsThe jewelry I’m wearing is from Marcia Moran.  Her signature look, features semiprecious stone and precious metal plated jewelry.  Simple, modern and chic!

marcia moran jewelry, cabi clothingWhat were your favorite finds from this sponsored post?

Is anyone else thinking it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas??

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Thank you to MomTrends and all the sponsors for having me!  It was really such a memorable night filled with laughter, good times and great company!

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For more on this event, read Twindollicious’s review here!

 

 

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